Expansion joint for insulated tank

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a tank having an outer surface, and panels of insulative material. The panels are positioned over the outer surface of the tank and extend adjacent to one another to form seams. An expansion joint is formed between at least a first and a second of the adjacent panels to allow expansion of the tank.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles typically include tanks for carrying quantities of fluidsneeded for their operation. For example, a typical harvester may includea tank for carrying a supply of diesel fuel used to operate a dieselengine. Even in larger vehicles such as harvesters, however, space foronboard fluid tanks is often limited by the other system components. Assuch, complex tank geometries are often desired in order to maximizetank capacity in a given space. Plastic tanks are often used, owing tothe more complex yet economical geometries they provide. Plastic tanks,however, are often exposed to heat sources and combustible materials,such as high temperature vehicle components and hot fluids, as well asdebris and other materials which may compromise their integrity. Plastictanks are also susceptible to expansion due to, for example, hydrostaticpressure and permeation from the fluids they contain, as well as thermalexpansion and fluid sloshing caused by external components and vehicledynamics. Some vehicles include partial coverings, such as formed heatshields, to protect the integrity of their fuel tanks. Partialcoverings, however, provide only partial protection from heat sourcesand harmful materials. Formed heat shields are overly complex toinstall, are not conducive to covering tanks having complex geometries,and may allow debris and other materials to infiltrate the area betweenthe heat shield and tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an exploded view of an example insulated tank assembly.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the example insulated tank assembly ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example panel that may be used in theinsulated tank assembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 3 is perspective view of the example insulated tank assembly ofFIGS. 1A and 1B shown with respect to a support structure.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method of assembling theinsulated tank assembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of an example insulated tank assembly havingan expansion joint.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the example insulated tank assembly ofFIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is another perspective view of the example insulated tankassembly of FIG. 5A showing the expansion joint.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of an example expansionjoint that may be used with the insulated tank assembly of FIGS. 5A-5C.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an example method of assembling theinsulated tank assembly of FIGS. 5A-5C.

FIG. 8A is an exploded view of another example insulated tank assembly.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the insulated tank assembly of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is another perspective view of the insulated tank assembly ofFIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D is yet another perspective view of the insulated tank assemblyof FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the insulated tank assembly of FIGS.8A-8D positioned within a support structure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example harvester including an insulated tankassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate different views of an example insulated tankassembly 100. In particular, FIG. 1A is an exploded view of insulatedtank assembly 100, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of insulated tankassembly 100. As shown in FIG. 1A, insulated tank assembly 100 mayinclude a tank 102 and panels 104. Tank 102 may be, for example, a workvehicle tank used to carry quantities of fluids used during operation ofthe work vehicle. For purposes of this description, tank 102 will oftenbe described in the context of a harvester, but it should be understoodthat other vehicles are contemplated as well.

Tank 102 may contain any type of fluid. For example, in the context of aharvester, tank 102 may carry diesel fuel, gasoline, hydraulic fluid,coolant, etc. For purposes of this description, tank 102 will often bedescribed in the context of a diesel fuel tank, but it should beunderstood that other fluids are contemplated as well. Tank 102 may haveany suitable fluid capacity depending on the particular application. Forexample, tank 102 may be a 950 liter harvester fuel tank. Tank 102 mayinclude an opening and other surrounding structure, such as a fill neck,for permitting fluids to enter. Tank 102 may also include openings toaccommodate vents, drain valves, sending units and return lines forsensing fuel levels, etc.

Tank 102 may be made of any sufficiently rigid material depending on theparticular application, such as metal or plastic, or compounds andsynthetics based thereon. For purposes of this description, tank 102will often be described in the context of a plastic tank, but it shouldbe understood that other materials are contemplated as well. Tank 102may be formed and shaped in any suitable manner. For example, tank 102may be molded, cast, machined, assembled from castings, stampings, orcutouts, formed from sheet materials, etc.

Tank 102 may have walls forming an outer surface 106 based on anysuitable geometry depending on the particular application. For example,as shown in FIG. 1, tank 102 may generally have the geometry of a hollowrectangular prism. In some examples, such as harvester fuel tanks, tank102 may have more complex geometries to accommodate surroundingstructure and components, as well as to allow for expansion of fluids orvapor (e.g., diesel fuel vapor) inside tank 102. In such examples, tank102 may be made from plastic in order to facilitate such complexgeometries. In some examples, tank 102 may have rounded or chamferededges to facilitate a plastic molding process. In some examples, tank102 may have walls of uniform or varying thicknesses, internal orexternal ribs, or other structures designed (e.g., using a finiteelement analysis) to strengthen tank 102 and minimize tank expansion. Insome examples, outer surface 106 may be designed to simply positioningof panels 104. For example, outer surface 106 may be designed tominimize complex intersections planes and protrusions so that a minimumnumber of panels 104 having simplified shapes may be used to cover thesurface of tank 102.

Panels 104 may be made of any insulative material suitable forprotecting tank 102 from heat sources and combustible materials. Forexample, panels 104 may be made from a thermally insulative materialthat may be made to conform to outer surface 106 such that no gaps orspaces exist between panels 104 and outer surface 106. Exemplaryinsulative materials may include, for example, fiberglass, polyethyleneterephthalate, or other insulative materials or combinations thereof. Insome examples, panels 104 may be multilayered in structure. For example,panels 104 may include a protective layer composed of a heat shieldingmaterial, such as foils and/or sheets made of aluminum or another metal,alloy or other durable material. In some examples, panels 104 mayinclude a layer of adhesive material to hold panels 104 in position overouter surface 106. In some examples, the adhesive may be an adhesivesuch as HPA1905 that may provide resistance to fuels, hydraulic oil,engine oil, solvents, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a panel 104, which may be used in fueltank assembly 100. As shown in FIG. 2, panel 104 may include a layer202, a layer 204, and a layer 206. In some examples, layer 202 may be athermally insulative material, layer 204 may be a protective layercomposed of a heat shielding material, and layer 206 may be a layer ofadhesive. Layers 202, 204, and 206 may be positioned such that whenpanel 104 is positioned over outer surface 106 of fuel tank assembly100, layer 202 forms an inner core of thermally insulative material,layer 204 forms an outer layer of heat shielding material, and layer 206forms a layer of adhesive between panel 104 and outer surface 106 oftank 102. Layers 202, 204, and 206 may be of any suitable thicknessdepending on the particular example. For example, layer 202 may be athermally insulative material having a thickness of approximately 5millimeters with a 10 mil protective layer, layer 204 may be aprotective layer composed of a heat shielding material having athickness of approximately 5 millimeters with a 2 mil protective layer,and layer 206 may be a layer of adhesive having a thickness ofapproximately 5 millimeters with a 10 mil protective layer.

In some examples, layers 202, 204, and 206 may be bonded together as asingle unit. For example, layers 202, 204, and 206 may be bondedtogether to form sheets or rolls from which individual panels 104 may beformed. In some examples, panel 104 may include a releasable liner 208to cover layer 206 such that the adhesive is protected until releasableliner 208 is removed. In some examples, layers 202, 204 and 206 may beseparate layers that are separately positioned over outer surface 106 offuel tank assembly 100. In some examples, layers 202 and 204 may bebonded together to form panel 104, and layer 206 may be a layer ofadhesive that is separately applied to outer surface 106 of tank 102.

Referring again to FIG. 1, panels 104 may be any suitable sizes andshapes depending on the particular geometry of tank 102. In someexamples, panels 104 may be designed to be different sizes and shapessuch that, when positioned over outer surface 106 of tank 102, panels104 cover substantially the entire outer surface of tank 102 withminimal gaps and/or spaces between panels 104 and outer surface 106 oftank 102. The term substantially as used with regard to the entirety ofouter surface is intended to indicate that, in some examples, certainminimal portions of outer surface 106 may be exposed (e.g., not coveredby panels 104) without compromising the integrity of the protectionprovided by panels 104. For example, tank 102 may include surfacesand/or structures such as a fill neck and/or other surfaces orstructures designed to accommodate openings for vents, sending units andreturn lines for sensing fuel levels, etc. which may need to remainaccessible. In some examples, such surfaces and/or structure may remainminimally exposed. In some examples, other minimal surfaces and/orstructures of tank 102 may remain exposed.

Any suitable number of panels 104 may be used in insulated fuel tankassembly 100 to cover outer surface 106 of tank 102. In some examples, aminimum number of panels 104 are used to reduce complexity. For example,while 6 panels 104 (panels 104 a, 104 b, 104 c, 104 d, 104 e, and 1040are shown in FIG. 1, the panels 104 may be consolidated into 1, 2, 3, 4,or 5 panels of suitable sizes and shapes to cover the same amount ofarea of outer surface 106. Similarly, panels 104 shown in FIG. 1 may besubdivided into a greater number of panels to cover outer surface 106.

Panels 104 may be positioned over outer surface 106 of tank 102 suchthat they extend adjacent to one another to form seams 108. As shown inFIG. 1B, seams 108 may be formed by overlapping surfaces of adjacentpanels 104. For example, panels 104 a and 104 b may overlap panels 104c, 104 d, 104 e, and 104 f to create multiple seams 108. Similarly,panels 104 c, 104 d, 104 e, and 104 f may overlap with each other asshown in FIG. 1B to form seams 108. In some examples, seams 108 may beformed by a minimum overlap of approximately 25 millimeters.

In some examples, panels 104 may be positioned such that, upon locationof insulated tank assembly 100 on a support structure, at least one ofseams 108 is in contact with the support structure along the length ofthe seam 108 to prevent separation of the adjacent panels 104 formingthe seam. For example, FIG. 3 is perspective view of insulated tankassembly 100 shown with respect to a support structure 300 having rails302 and 304 and cross members 306 and 308. Upon location of insulatedtank assembly 100 on support structure 300, a seam 108 formed alongadjacent panels 104 b and 104 c may be in contact with rail 302 alongthe length of seam 108. Similarly, a seam 108 formed along adjacentpanels 104 b and 104 d may be in contact with rail 304. The weight ofinsulated tank assembly 100 resting upon rails 302 and 304 may preventthe respective seams 108 formed by panels 104 b and 104 c and by panels104 b and 104 d from separating. Rails 302 and 304 may also cooperatewith cross members 306 and 308 to prevent and/or redirect expansion oftank 102 in areas along the respective seams 108 formed by panels 104 band 104 c and by panels 104 b and 104 d. In some examples, additionalsupport structure may be implemented to contact additional seams 108 toprevent separation, and/or to prevent or redirect expansion of tank 102.

In some examples, patches of an insulative material may be adhered overseams 108 to provide additional protection. For example, patches of aninsulative material may be used to protect seams 108 formed adjacent tocomplex geometric features of tank 102. In some examples, patches ofinsulative material may be adhered over seams 108 forming a corner orother intersections of seams 108. The patches may be, for example,patches of thermally insulative tape. In some examples, patches of aninsulative material having an adhesive surface, an insulative core, anda layer of heat shielding material, and having an overall thickness ofapproximately 5 millimeters may be used. The adhesive surface may beprotected by a releasable liner that may be removed to expose theadhesive.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method 400 of assemblinginsulated tank assembly 100. As indicated by a step 402, panels 104 ofinsulative material may be positioned over substantially the entireouter surface of tank 102. In some examples, outer surface 106 of tank102 may be prepared by texturizing of outer surface 106. For example,outer surface 106 of tank 102 may be lightly sandblasted (e.g., 60grain) to create texture to improve adhesion of panels 104 to outersurface 106. In some examples, outer surface 106 of tank 102 may beprepared by applying a cleaning agent, such as an alcohol-based cleaningagent, to remove any dirt, particles, foreign matter, or reside that mayprevent or reduce adhesion of panels 104 to outer surface 106. In someexamples, outer surface 106 of tank 102 may be prepared by heating tank102 prior to positioning panels 104 over outer surface 106. For example,tank 102 may be heated or flashed to a temperature above approximately15.5 degrees Centigrade. In some examples, a layer of adhesive may beapplied to outer surface 106 to adhere panels 104 to tank 102. In someexamples, panels 104 may include a layer of adhesive material to holdpanels 104 in position over outer surface 106, such that the layer ofadhesive may be applied by, for example, removing a releasable liner toexpose the adhesive.

As indicated by a step 404, seams may be formed by overlapping thepanels 104 so that panels 104 extend adjacent to one another. In someexamples, seams 108 may be formed by a minimum overlap of approximately25 millimeters. In some embodiments, a roller may be used to press theseams together to improve adhesion. In some examples, scribe marks oridentification lines may be placed or embossed on tank 102 to guidealignment, orientation, and application of panels 104 to tank 102. Insome examples, panels 104 may be positioned such that, upon location ofinsulated tank assembly 100 on a support structure, a seam 108 is incontact with the support structure along the length of the seam 108 toprevent separation of adjacent panels 104 forming the seam 108. In someexamples, patches of insulative material may be adhered over seams 108.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate different views of an example insulatedtank assembly 500 having an expansion joint 510. In particular, FIG. 5Ais an exploded view of insulated tank assembly 500. FIG. 5B is aperspective view of insulated tank assembly 500. FIG. 5C is anotherperspective view of insulated tank assembly 500 showing expansion joint510. Insulated tank assembly 500 is similar to insulated tank assembly100 shown in FIG. 1. For example, insulated tank assembly may include atank 502 and panels 504 similar to tank 102 and panels 104 shown in anddescribed with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. Similarly, tank 502 mayhave an outer surface 506 similar to outer surface 106 shown in anddescribed with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. Panels 504 may bepositioned over outer surface 506 of tank 502 such that they extendadjacent to one another to form seams 508. In some examples, panels 504may be positioned such that, upon location of insulated tank assembly500 on a support structure, at least one of seams 508 is in contact withthe support structure along the length of the seam 508 to preventseparation of the adjacent panels 504 forming the seam. In someexamples, patches of an insulative material may be adhered over seams508 to provide additional protection.

Insulated tank assembly 500 differs from insulated tank assembly 100 inthat it may further include expansion joint 510. For example, as shownin FIG. 5B, panels 504 a and 504 g may extend adjacent to one another toform a seam 508. Panels 504 b and 504 h may also extend adjacent to oneanother to form a seam 508. Panels 504 e and 504 i may extend adjacentto one another to form a seam 508. Panels 504 f and 504 j may extendadjacent to one another to form a seam 508. Seams 508 formed by thesepanels may form a continuous seam 508 around tank as shown in FIGS. 5Band 5C. Continuous seam 508 may allow separation between panels 504 aand 504 g, panels 504 b and 504 h, panels 504 e and 504 i, and/or panels504 f and 504 j along continuous seem 508 during expansion of tank 502.Expansion joint 510 may be formed between panels 504 a and 504 g, panels504 b and 504 h, panels 504 e and 504 i, and/or panels 504 f and 504 jalong continuous seem 508. In some examples, expansion joint 510 neednot be formed along a continuous seam 508, but rather may be formedalong any seam 508 between two panels 504 extending adjacent to eachother.

Expansion joint 510 may be formed by, for example, positioning anadhesive strip of material along continuous seam 508. The adhesive stripmay be, for example, a single adhesive strip or several sections ofadhesive strip. The adhesive strip may be, for example, an insulativematerial having an adhesive surface, an insulative core, and a layer ofheat shielding material, and having an overall thickness ofapproximately 5 millimeters with a 2 mil protective covering may beused. The adhesive surface may be protected by a releasable liner thatmay be removed to expose the adhesive.

Expansion joint 510 may include a formed projection or other expandablestructure to allow separation of panels 504 along continuous seam 508during expansion of tank 102. For example, the adhesive strip mayinclude pleats that may expand and become flattened during expansion oftank 102. In some examples, a formed projection or other expandablestructure may be integrated with the panels 504 forming continuous seam508. For example, panels 504 a and 504 g may be a single panel 504having a pleat integrated therein that may expand and become flattenedduring expansion of tank 502.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of an example expansionjoint 510 that may be used with the insulated tank assembly. Expansionjoint 510 may include a layer 602, a layer 604, and a layer 606. In someexamples, layer 602 may be a thermally insulative material, layer 604may be a protective layer composed of a heat shielding material, andlayer 606 may be a layer of adhesive. Layers 602, 604, and 606 may bepositioned such that when expansion joint 510 is positioned over a seam508, layer 602 forms an inner core of thermally insulative material,layer 604 forms an outer layer of heat shielding material, and layer 606forms a layer of adhesive between expansion joint 510 and panels 504.Layers 602, 604, and 606 may be of any suitable thickness depending onthe particular example. For example, layer 602 may be a thermallyinsulative material having a thickness of approximately 4.5 millimeters,layer 604 may be a protective layer composed of a heat shieldingmaterial having a thickness of approximately 2 mil, and layer 606 may bea layer of adhesive having a thickness of approximately 0.5 millimeters.

In some examples, layers 602, 604, and 606 may be bonded together as asingle unit. For example, layers 602, 604, and 606 may be bondedtogether to form sheets or rolls from which individual expansion joints510 may be formed. In some examples, expansion joint 510 may include areleasable liner 608 to cover layer 606 such that the adhesive isprotected until releasable liner 608 is removed. In some examples,layers 602 and 604 may be bonded together to form expansion joint 510,and layer 606 may be a layer of adhesive that is separately applied topanels 504 prior to adhering expansion joint 510.

Expansion joint 510 may include a formed projection or other expandablestructure 610 to allow separation of panels 504 along continuous seam508 during expansion of tank 502. For example, as shown in FIG. 6,structure 610 may be a pleat that may expand and become flattened duringexpansion of tank 502. In some examples, expansion joint 610 may includemultiple pleats or other structures. In some embodiments, structure 610allows for an expansion of tank 502 of approximately 3 percent of lineardimension and/or 3 percent of original volumetric capacity.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an example method 700 of assemblinginsulated tank assembly 500. Method 700 is similar to method 400 shownin FIG. 4 in that, as indicated by a step 702, panels 504 of insulativematerial may be positioned over substantially the entire outer surfaceof tank 502. Similarly, as indicated by a step 704, seams may be formedby arranging panels 504 so that panels 504 extend adjacent to oneanother. In some examples, panels 504 may be positioned such that, uponlocation of insulated tank assembly 500 on a support structure, a seam508 is in contact with the support structure along the length of theseam 508 to prevent separation of adjacent panels 504 forming the seam508. In some examples, patches of insulative material may be adheredover seams 508.

Method 700 differs from method 400 in that, as indicated by a step 706,an expansion joint 510 may be formed between at least two adjacentpanels 504 to allow expansion of tank 502. Expansion joint 510 may beformed by, for example, positioning an adhesive strip of material alonga continuous seam 508. The adhesive strip may be, for example, a singleadhesive strip or several sections of adhesive strip. The adhesive stripmay be, for example, an insulative material having an adhesive surface,an insulative core, and a layer of heat shielding material. Expansionjoint 510 may include a formed projection or other expandable structureto allow separation of panels 504 along continuous seam 508 duringexpansion of tank 502. For example, the adhesive strip may includepleats that may expand and become flattened during expansion of tank502. In some examples, a formed projection or other expandable structuremay be integrated with the panels 504 forming continuous seam 508.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate different views of an example insulated tankassembly 800. In particular, FIG. 8A is an exploded view of insulatedtank assembly, while FIGS. 8B-8D provide different perspective views ofinsulated tank assembly 800. Insulated tank assembly 800 is similar toinsulated tank assemblies 100 and 500, but includes a tank 802 having amore complex geometry. Tank 802 may be, for example a plastic dieselfuel tank for a harvester having a fluid capacity of approximately 13.5gallons. Insulated tank assembly 800 may also include panels 804. Tank802 may have an outer surface 806. Panels 804 may be positioned oversubstantially the entire outer surface 806 of tank 802 and may extendadjacent to one another to form seams 808.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-8D, tank 802 may include an opening 812 and othersurrounding structure, such as a fill neck 814 for permitting fluids toenter. Tank 802 may also include openings to accommodate a drain valve816, as well as for sending units and return lines 818 (e.g., forsensing fuel levels, etc.). Tank 802 may have more complex geometries(e.g., 820, 822, and 824) to accommodate surrounding structure andcomponents, as well as to allow for expansion of fluids or vapor (e.g.,diesel fuel vapor) inside tank 802. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8D, tank 802may have rounded or chamfered edges (e.g., to facilitate a plasticmolding process). In some examples, tank 802 may have walls of uniformor varying thicknesses, internal or external ribs, or other structuresdesigned (e.g., using a finite element analysis) to strengthen tank 802and minimize tank expansion. In some examples, outer surface 806 may bedesigned to simply positioning of panels 804.

Panels 804 may be similar to panels 104 and 504. For example, panels 804may be made of any insulative material suitable for protecting tank 802from heat sources and combustible materials. For example, panels 806 maybe made from a thermally insulative material that may be made to conformto outer surface 806 such that no gaps or spaces exist between panels804 and outer surface 806. In some examples, panels 804 may bemultilayered in structure. For example, panels 804 may include aprotective layer composed of a heat shielding material, such as foilsand/or sheets made of aluminum or another metal, alloy or other durablematerial. In some examples, panels 804 may include a layer of adhesivematerial to hold panels 804 in position over outer surface 806. In someexamples, the adhesive may be an adhesive such as HPA1905 that mayprovide resistance to fuels, hydraulic oil, engine oil, solvents, etc.

Panels 804 may designed to be different sizes and shapes such that, whenpositioned over outer surface 806 of tank 802, panels 804 coversubstantially the entire outer surface of tank 802 with minimal gapsand/or spaces between panels 104 and outer surface 806 of tank 802. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8D, tank 802 may include surfaces and/orstructures such as a fill neck 814, drain 816, and sending units andreturn lines 818 for sensing fuel levels, etc. which may need to remainaccessible. Panels 818 may be designed so that such surfaces and/orstructure may remain minimally exposed. In some examples, other minimalsurfaces and/or structures of tank 802 may remain exposed. As shown inFIGS. 8A-8D, 14 panels 804 may be used in insulated fuel tank assembly800 to cover substantially the entire outer surface 806 of tank 802.Panels 804 may be positioned over outer surface 806 of tank 802 suchthat they extend adjacent to one another to form seams 808. As shown inFIGS. 8A-8D, seams 808 may be formed by overlapping surfaces of adjacentpanels 804. In some examples, seams 808 may be formed by a minimumoverlap of approximately 25 millimeters.

Panels 804 may be positioned such that, upon location of insulated tankassembly 800 on a support structure, at least one of seams 808 is incontact with the support structure along the length of the seam 808 toprevent separation of the adjacent panels 804 forming the seam. Forexample, FIG. 9 is perspective view of insulated tank assembly 800 shownwith respect to a support structure 900 having rails 902 and 904 andcross members 906 and 908. Upon location of insulated tank assembly 800on support structure 900, seams 808 formed along adjacent panels 804(shown, for example, in FIG. 8C) may be in contact with rails 902 and904. The weight of insulated tank assembly 800 resting upon rails 902and 904 may prevent the respective seams 808 from separating. Rails 902and 904 may also cooperate with cross members 906 and 908 to preventand/or redirect expansion of tank 802 in areas along seams 808 incontact with rails 902 and 904.

As best shown in FIG. 8B, patches 826 of an insulative material may beadhered over seams 808 to provide additional protection. For example,patches 826 of an insulative material may be used to protect seams 808formed adjacent to complex geometric features of tank 802. Patches 826of insulative material may also be adhered over seems 808 forming acorner or other intersections of seems 808. The patches may be, forexample, patches of thermally insulative tape.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-8D, insulated tank assembly 800 may further includeexpansion joint 810 formed along a continuous seam 808. Expansion joint810 may be formed by, for example, positioning an adhesive strip ofmaterial along continuous seam 808. The adhesive strip may be, forexample, a single adhesive strip or several sections of adhesive strip.The adhesive strip may be, for example, an insulative material having anadhesive surface, an insulative core, and a layer of heat shieldingmaterial. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8D, expansion joint 810 may include aformed projection or other expandable structure 828 to allow separationof panels 804 along continuous seam 808 during expansion of tank 802.For example, the adhesive strip may include pleats that may expand andbecome flattened during expansion of tank 802.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example harvester 1000 including an insulatedtank assembly. Harvester 1000 may include a chassis 1002 which issupported and propelled by ground engaging members 1004. Althoughharvester 1000 is illustrated as being supported and propelled on groundengaging wheels 1004 it can also be supported and propelled by fulltracks or half-tracks. Harvester 1000 may also include a tank supportstructure 1006 supported by chassis 1002, and an insulated tank assembly1008 located on tank support structure 1006. Tank support structure 1006may be similar to tank support structure 300 and/or 900. Insulated tankassembly 1008 may be similar to insulated tank assemblies 100, 500,and/or 800.

While the examples of the invention have been illustrated and described,it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example,although different examples may have been described as including one ormore features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated thatthe described features may be interchanged with one another oralternatively be combined with one another in the described examples orin other examples. One of skill in the art will understand that theinvention may also be practiced without many of the details describedabove. Accordingly, it will be intended to include all suchalternatives, modifications and variations set forth within the spiritand scope of the appended claims. Further, some well-known structures orfunctions may not be shown or described in detail because suchstructures or functions would be known to one skilled in the art. Unlessa term is specifically and overtly defined in this specification, theterminology used in the present specification is intended to beinterpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though may be usedin conjunction with the description of certain specific examples of thepresent invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a tank having an outersurface; panels of insulative material, the panels positioned over theouter surface of the tank and extending adjacent to one another to formseams; and an expansion joint formed between at least a first and asecond of the adjacent panels to allow expansion of the tank, whereinthe expansion joint is formed from an insulative material.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the panels are positioned such that, uponlocation of the tank on a support structure, at least one of the seamsis in contact with the support structure along the length of the seam toprevent separation of the adjacent panels forming the seam.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the expansion joint is formed bypositioning an adhesive strip along a seam between the first and secondpanels.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the expansion jointincludes a pleat formed between the first and second panels.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the expansion joint and the first andsecond panels are integrated into a single panel.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein expansion joint extends continuously around the tank.7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the expansion joint comprises acontinuous layer having a first end portion secured to a first one ofthe panels on a first side of one of the seams, a second end portionsecured to a second one of the panels on a second side of said one ofthe seams, and an intermediate portion between the first end portion andthe second end portion, the intermediate portion overlying said one ofthe seams and being folded to overlap itself and form the pleat, whereinthe intermediate portion forming the pleat is flexible so as to unfoldand flatten during expansion of the tank as said one of the seams widensduring expansion of the tank.
 8. A method, comprising: positioningpanels of insulative material over an outer surface of a tank; formingseams by arranging the panels so that the panels extend adjacent to oneanother; and forming an expansion joint between at least a first and asecond of the adjacent panels to allow expansion of the tank, whereinthe expansion joint is formed from an insulative material.
 9. The methodof claim 8, further comprising positioning the panels such that, uponlocation of the tank on a support structure, at least one of the seamsis in contact with the support structure along the length of the seam toprevent separation of the adjacent panels forming the seam.
 10. Themethod of claim 8, wherein forming the expansion joint includespositioning an adhesive strip along a seam between the first and secondpanels.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein forming the expansion jointincludes forming a pleat between the first and second panels.
 12. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the expansion joint and the first and secondpanels are integrated into a single panel.
 13. The method of claim 8,wherein expansion joint extends continuously around the tank.
 14. Themethod of claim 8 comprising filling the tank with a fuel.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein the tank comprises plastic walls.
 16. Avehicle, comprising: a chassis supported and propelled by groundengaging members; a tank support structure supported by the chassis; anda tank located on the tank support structure, the tank having an outersurface and panels of insulative material positioned over the outersurface of the tank and extending adjacent to one another to form seams;wherein an expansion joint is formed between at least a first and asecond of the adjacent panels to allow expansion of the tank and whereinthe expansion joint is formed from an insulative material.
 17. Thevehicle of claim 16, wherein at least one of the seams is in contactwith a member of the tank support structure that is positioned tosupport the weight of the tank along the length of the at least oneseam.
 18. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the tank support structureincludes members positioned to divert expansion of the tank to an areaadjacent to the expansion joint.
 19. The vehicle of claim 16, whereinthe expansion joint is formed by positioning an adhesive strip along aseam between the first and second panels.
 20. The vehicle of claim 16,wherein the expansion joint includes a pleat formed between the firstand second panels.
 21. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the tankcomprises plastic walls.
 22. The vehicle of claim 21, wherein the tankcontains a fuel.
 23. An apparatus, comprising: a tank having an outersurface; panels of insulative material, the panels positioned over theouter surface of the tank and extending adjacent to one another to formseams; and an expansion joint formed between at least a first and asecond of the adjacent panels to allow expansion of the tank, whereinthe expansion joint is formed by positioning an adhesive strip along aseam between the first and second panels.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23,wherein the tank comprises plastic walls.
 25. A method, comprising:positioning panels of insulative material over an outer surface of atank; forming seams by arranging the panels so that the panels extendadjacent to one another; and forming an expansion joint between at leasta first and a second of the adjacent panels to allow expansion of thetank, wherein forming the expansion joint includes positioning anadhesive strip along a seam between the first and second panels.
 26. Themethod of claim 25 further comprising filling the tank with fuel.
 27. Avehicle, comprising: a chassis supported and propelled by groundengaging members; a tank support structure supported by the chassis; anda tank located on the tank support structure, the tank having an outersurface and panels of insulative material positioned over the outersurface of the tank and extending adjacent to one another to form seams;wherein an expansion joint is formed between at least a first and asecond of the adjacent panels to allow expansion of the tank and whereinthe expansion joint is formed by positioning an adhesive strip along aseam between the first and second panels.
 28. The vehicle of claim 27,wherein the tank comprises plastic walls and is filled with a fuel.